WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1336

Hospitals - Financial Assistance - Medical Bill Reimbursement

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonnie Cullison

Withdrawn bill would have required Maryland hospitals to establish financial assistance programs for patients unable to afford medical bills, reducing patient debt burden.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1336

Legislative bill overview

HB 1336 would have required hospitals in Maryland to provide financial assistance programs for patients unable to afford medical bills. The bill aimed to establish standards for how hospitals identify eligible patients and distribute financial aid to reduce patient debt burden.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, and many patients delay or avoid necessary care due to cost concerns. Mandating hospital financial assistance could increase healthcare access for low- and moderate-income Marylanders while potentially reducing bad debt write-offs for hospitals.

Potential points of contention

  • Hospital compliance costs: Hospitals may argue that administering expanded financial assistance programs increases operational expenses and reduces revenue, potentially affecting their financial stability or service capacity
  • Defining eligibility: Determining income thresholds and eligibility criteria raises questions about how generous assistance should be and whether standards should vary by hospital size or location
  • Market competition concerns: Hospitals might argue that uniform assistance requirements place them at competitive disadvantage against other healthcare providers or out-of-state facilities not subject to Maryland regulations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.